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The traditional paintings of Bhilwara have left a lasting influence on Rameshwar Singh's works
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FASCINATING LEGACYEven when he does contemporary themes, he uses traditional and folk motifs
"This is my 52nd solo exhibition and the second one in Bangalore," says Rameshwar Singh, presenting his paintings in the city after a five-year hiatus. Born in 1948, in Deogarh (Rajasthan) to a family that did not have any special inclination for arts, Rameshwar completed his degree in science in 1971 from the Rajasthan University, Bhilwara. Even though he nurtured ambitions of pursuing science initially, he was later drawn to the traditional paintings of Bhilwara. "I studied the style and structure of Bhilwara folk painting for more than a decade," asserts Rameshwar, "it has left a deep and everlasting influence on my works."
Completing his master's in drawing and painting from Udaipur University in 1982, the prolific painter started exhibiting his works both in solo and group shows. In 1984, he received the National Award from the Lalitkala Academy, and it was followed, over the years, by a series of honours from the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Academy, U.P. State Lalit Kala Academy, Hyderabad Art Society, Bombay Art Society, the Indian Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar, and other eminent institutions.
"Rameshwar's paintings are very compact," celebrated artist F.N. Souza once remarked. "And there's a lot in them: figures, forms and mythological content. They are very colourful too. The forms are carefully constructed; there's craftsmanship in his work and skill. Sort of magic mantras and omen appearing mysteriously..."
Having painted more than 2,000 canvases since he took up the paintbrush 25 years ago, Rameshwar himself reveals: "I have experimented with new ideas and themes, but have always tried to retain the clarity of colour and composition. I incorporate folk elements and traditional motifs, even when I deal with contemporary themes."
Bringing with them cloying colours and ornamental allure of the famed Rajasthani character, Rameshwar's paintings present human, animal and angelic forms in uncommon, but amiable settings. An enduring fascination for antiquity induces the artist to assimilate ancient furniture, clocks, telephone, gramophone, flower vases and even tattoos and calligraphic scripts in his works. Texturing the canvases and layering them over and over again, he often draws a line across the canvas as in old scrolled miniature paintings to stimulate a balance to the composition. In some works, the dense colours and intriguing arrangement try to evoke a sense of nostalgic and contemplative feel.
The exhibition, set up by Crimson, The Art Resource, at the Hatworks Boulevard, 32, Cunningham Road, concludes on August 13. Call 25583996 for details.
ATHREYA
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